Guterres presents reform 'UN80 Initiative' for UN modernization

The United Nations celebrates the 80th anniversary this year. On this occasion, the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched in March 2025 the UN80 Initiative that is meant to modernize the UN’s structures, priorities and operations for the 21st century, aiming to improve its efficiency and responsiveness.

This initiative adds to the commitments made in the Pact for the Future and UN 2.0 to ensure that the UN is ready to address new global needs.
The planned reforms will encompass both internal processes and structural improvements in peace operations, development and humanitarian aid prioritizing transparency and the responsible management of public funds.

Since 2017, Mr. Guterres during his mandate followed a series of reforms to increase efficiency and reduce costs, focusing on simplified procedures, decentralised decision-making, transparency and digital advancement.

A dedicated internal Task Force led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder will develop proposals in 3 key areas that include identifying efficiencies and improvements, reviewing the implementation of mandates from Member States, and a strategic review of deeper, more structural changes and programme realignment.

Budgets at the United Nations sustain life-saving programs for millions around the world, impacting UN programmes in political affairs, international justice and law, regional cooperation for development, human rights and humanitarian affairs. While UN peacekeeping operations are funded through a separate account.

However, resources are shrinking and the organisation had to face several fiscal headwinds that turned into a liquidity crisis because not all member states pay in full and many also do not pay on time.

The goal of these reforms is to make an even stronger and more effective United Nations that is responsive towards people and is tuned to the 21st century.